1211 by Prof.Philip Rubinov-Jacobson on 01/01/02 at 10:02 AM
Re: fat over lean

In Reply to: Re: fat over lean posted by susan on 11/09/01 at 12:49 PM:

: If only three layers, I would suggest:

: First Layer - just oil paint diluted with solvents, no linseed oil

: Second Layer - oil paint, diluted with solvents, and just a little bit of linseed oil

: Third Layer - oil paint, solvents, more linseed oil.

: The idea is to decrease the amount of solvents and increase the amount of medium (linseed) as you add each layer.

: This article should help you regarding mediums:
: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/9187/52849

: This article will help with the glazing process:
: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/9187/57882

COMMENT from Prof.PHIL

I do not know who wrote the above, but, 'fat over lean' refers to a 'mixed' technique of painting oil (fat) over tempera (a water base -"lean") as used by the old Flemish and German masters, i.e. Van Eyck, Durer, etc... The principle of fat over lean is especially applicable in the use of glazing resin-oil colors over an underpainting (monochrome) done in egg tempera white over an earthen colored ground (imprimatura) or red ground as used by the Dutch masters....I teach these techniques in Austria every year...see my web site at
sincerely,
Prof.Phil